Gas-Solid Phase Chemistry Postdoctoral Research Associate

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 63,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines to support the ARL at MFC. The role focuses on advanced separations and material recovery with hazardous gases and analytical systems.

The candidate will operate analytical equipment, design experimental systems, and contribute to high‑quality reports and publications as part of an interdisciplinary R&D team.

Qualifications

• PhD completed in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or closely related field within the past five years.
• Esteemed track record in analytical measurements and calibration of analytical equipment.
• Experience with reactive gases and radiological laboratory environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, qualify, and maintain experimental systems with engineering staff.
• Operate remote handling equipment for contaminated materials.
• Work with fume hoods and glove boxes on radioactive systems.
• Develop methods for sample collection and analysis and report results.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Prepare technical reports and data packages documenting advanced techniques.

Skills

Analytical measurements

Gas analysis

Data analysis

Publications

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering/ Materials Science/ Physics

Tools

Gas chromatography

Mass spectrometry

Spectroscopy

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a well-qualified Postdoctoral Research Associate with a background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics or comparable discipline for the Analytical Research Laboratory (ARL) Department at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC). This postdoctoral researcher will focus on supporting advanced separations and material recovery development experiments performed in the ARL. This role supports MFC programs that rely on accurate analytical measurements and staff chemistry experimental design expertise. Candidates will work with program customers to help design, build and operate experimental systems with hazardous gases such as F2, Cl2, HF, HCl, NF3, and NO2. Candidates will also be required to operate analytical equipment supporting these systems.

Our team works a 4x10 schedule located at the Analytical Research Laboratory at the Materials and Fuels Complex with every Friday off.

Responsibilities Include:

• Work with engineering staff to design, build, qualify, and maintain experimental systems.
• Qualify to operate remote handling equipment with highly contaminated and radioactive materials.
• Perform hands on work with radioactive systems in fume hoods and glove boxes.
• Develop chemical methods for sample collection and analysis.
• Analyze and report radiological samples.
• Collaborate with MFC operations, experiment leads, engineering, and safety staff to support scientific experiments in the Analytical Research Laboratory.
• Produce high quality technical reports, data packages, and peer reviewed publications documenting advanced experimental and analytical techniques.
  

The candidate is expected to be a strong asset to our interdisciplinary R&D team and work effectively both alone and as a team member. The candidate must be self-motivated but also take direction from other team members and peers.

The position entails writing scientific manuscripts for journal publication, and presentation of research results at national and international conferences and meetings.

Required:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Physics, Geology, or a closely related field.
• PhD requirements must be completed by commencement of appointment and within the previous 5 years.
• Experience performing analytical measurements, calibrating and validating analytical equipment operations, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental research involving reactive gases.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a proven ability to publish research findings.
• Strong knowledge of chemical reaction mechanisms, gas-phase chemistry, and related analytical techniques.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.
  

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Hands-on expertise with gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, or spectroscopy techniques.
• Experience setting up and operating in-line analytical measurement techniques for experimental systems.
• Familiarity with radiological laboratory environments and safe handling of activated materials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use stairs, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay for this position is $105,144.00 Annually. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.